Common uses of essential oils

Essential oils are wonderful to use in making bath salts or otherwise adding to the bath. They have wonderful properties to suit any mood or occasion. Following is a list of some of the more popular essential oils, and their more common aromatherapy and skin care uses.

Lavender - useful for relaxation

Eucalyptus - used to treat migraines, aching muscles and respiratory infections, and to bring down fever

Tea Tree - fights many kinds of skin infections and conditions, and useful for people suffering from flu symptoms

Lemon - used to bring down fever and helpful to boost immunity (some people may show allergic reactions)

Sandalwood - calming, stimulates libido, and moisturizing

Jasmine - elevate mood and decrease tension, increase libido (should not be used during pregnancy)

Patchouli - helpful for skin care, alleviates depression (should be used in small amounts since it is very strong)

Bergamot - an emotional lifter, useful for anxiety or depression

Rosemary - stimulates mental abilities and decreases muscle pains and headaches (avoid if you have hypertension, epilepsy, or are pregnant)

Cedarwood - also helps to relax when someone is stressed (do not use during pregnancy)

Marjoram - calms hyperactivity, relieves stress and fights fatigue (should not be used during pregnancy)

Ylang-ylang - useful to treat headaches and for nausea, can help lower blood pressure and is calming (do not use too much as it can cause headaches if overused)

Chamomile - calming, and helpful to treat acne

Peppermint - increases alertness and sharpens focus (can be irritating to some people, and should not be used during pregnancy, avoid getting in eyes)

Rose - good for the skin and lifts mood (avoid during pregnancy)

As you can see, many of them should not be used during pregnancy.

These can be added to bath salts, or placed in a vaporizer to be inhaled. For skin application, they can be used for massage oils or added to the bath or bath salts. NOTE: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Peppermint, and Ylang-ylang should be not be applied directly to the skin unless very diluted in a carrier oil. If lemon is applied to the skin, you should stay out of the sun.